About Ho Chi Minh Metro

If you are visiting Vietnam, then you should know that the much-anticipated Ho Chi Minh metro will change how you experience this crowded city of Ho Chi Minh. Once completed, it would make travelling in the town easier for places such as District 1 and other extensions. You will be able to steer clear of the traffic jams and cruise along comfortably, fully air-conditioned, between landmarks such as Ben Thanh Market and Suoi Tien Park. This metro is a giant leap in developing the public transport system and is meant to help tackle the notorious congestion plaguing the city. Be it for business or pleasure, which has brought you to this grand city, boarding the metro will save you so much time. Not to mention it will be an excellent non-expensive alternative to cabs and motorbikes, enhancing your experience for which a comprehensive Travel Insurance for Vietnam can provide added peace of mind.

Operational lines of Ho Chi Minh Metro

The Ho Chi Minh metro is Vietnam’s answer to the city’s notorious traffic jams. If you’ve ever visited, you’ll know how chaotic the roads can get, especially during rush hour. The metro is designed to make travelling around the city much smoother, quicker, and stress-free. Let’s take a look at the operational lines in the works.

1. Line 1: Sài Gòn Line

This is the metro line you will hear the most about, as it is the first one under construction and about to open. The line measures 19.7 km long, with 14 stations, from Bến Thành down to the Suối Tiên Terminal. Once ready, you can jump through the city, skipping over most of the annoying traffic. Imagine getting from the busy Bến Thành Market to the quieter outskirts in no time! Plus, there's even talk about extending it to Biên Hoà or Bình Dương.

2. Line 2: Bà Quẹo Line

At 48 km of track and 42 stations, with its stretch from Củ Chi to Thủ Thiêm, the Bà Quẹo line is sure to be a game-changer for daily commuters and travellers alike. But here's the catch: it's a long journey, and the first phase will only cover Bến Thành to Tham Lương – 11 stations. So, you're sure to still get access to key parts of the city, even in its initial stages.

3. Line 3A: Tân Kiên Line

Designed to run for 19.8 km with 17 stations, this line will connect Bến Thành with Tân Kiên. At opening, there should be some easy transfers to allow commuters access between the centre and the outer districts. For the travellers still going further out, an extension as far as Tân An might eventually be done.

4. Line 4: Gò Vấp Line

Another very important line is the Gò Vấp line which will cover 35.75 km with 32 stations. It will have Thạnh Xuân in the north and join the other in the south at Hiệp Phước. When in operation, you will be able to traverse the city with the most minimal hassle which will cut down your travel time immensely.

These lines of the Ho Chi Minh Metro will revolutionise how you explore this vibrant city, offering convenience, affordability, and speed. So next time you visit, don’t forget to give the metro a try.

The route covered by the Ho Chi Minh Metro

The Ho Chi Minh metro is set to completely change how you explore the city. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a frequent traveller, getting around Ho Chi Minh City is about to become a lot more convenient. The metro’s routes are designed to cover key parts of the city, making it easy for you to navigate and enjoy all the must-see attractions without worrying about the infamous traffic. Let’s break down the main routes and stoppages to give you an idea of what to expect.

1. Line 1: Bến Thành – Suối Tiên

One of the most talked-about routes on the Ho Chi Minh Metro is Line 1, which will connect Bến Thành Market, right in the heart of the city, with Suối Tiên. If you’re staying in the central area, Bến Thành is likely where you’ll hop on. This line is expected to have 14 stops, including key stations like Ba Son, perfect if you plan to visit the old shipyard area, and Thảo Điền, which will give you easy access to the trendy Thảo Điền expat district. By the time you reach Suối Tiên, you’ll find yourself close to major landmarks like Suối Tiên Theme Park, ideal for a family day out.

2. Line 2: Bến Thành – Tham Lương (Phase 1)

If you’re exploring areas beyond the city centre, you’ll love Line 2. In its first phase, it’ll stretch from Bến Thành to Tham Lương, with 11 stops along the way. This means if you’re heading north, you can conveniently stop at places like Phạm Văn Bạch or Tân Bình, both bustling with local culture. Whether you’re hunting for street food or simply exploring a new district, this route will give you the flexibility to do so without the stress of navigating through traffic.

3. Line 3A: Bến Thành – Tân Kiên

For those venturing into the southern parts of Ho Chi Minh City, the future Line 3A is planned to take you from Bến Thành to Tân Kiên, covering 17 stops. Imagine hopping off at An Đông Market to browse for some souvenirs, or reaching the quieter outskirts of Tân Kiên, where you can escape the busy city vibe.

Each route on the Ho Chi Minh Metro is planned with both convenience and efficiency in mind, making your travels smooth and stress-free. Whether you're heading to popular tourist sites or exploring hidden gems, the metro will make getting around Ho Chi Minh City a breeze!

Metro fare of Ho Chi Minh Metro

The following Ho Chi Minh Metro fares for the Bến Thành-Suối Tiên Line are designed to be affordable and remain unchanged for at least three to five years after the metro’s scheduled launch in late 2024. They’re based on both the pricing of the Cat Linh-Ha Dong metro line and commuters’ payment capabilities.

How to book a ticket for Ho Chi Minh Metro?

Whether you’re a tourist visiting the vibrant streets of Ho Chi Minh City or a regular commuter, you'll find the system straightforward to use. Here’s a guide that’ll help you navigate the booking process and get the most out of your journey. Remember, while planning your local commutes, it's equally important to consider overall trip safety, and having comprehensive International Travel Insurance is a key part of responsible travel planning.

1. Buying a ticket at the station

If you are a spontaneous traveller, you can buy your Ho Chi Minh metro ticket at the station. Each station will have automated ticket vending machines where you can enter your destination, select your fare type (single trip, day pass, etc.) and then pay. Many of them will accept Vietnamese Dong in cash or credit cards, so this will be pretty smooth for international travellers as well. Suppose you want to travel from Bến Thành Market out to Suối Tiên, you would have to type in the start and end destination stations of your journey, and it would display the price. Once you have paid for it, it will print out your ticket so you can pass through the gates on your way.

2. Mobile App

The official Ho Chi Minh Metro mobile application is also a convenient way of booking a ticket, which can be downloaded to your smartphone and used to make purchases in the form of digital tickets. Once you are registered, you can select your type of ticket, pay with your credit card, and receive a QR code, which serves as your ticket. All you have to do is to get the QR code scanned by the metro gate, and you are done. This option is ideal if you’re travelling light and don’t want to worry about keeping track of paper tickets.

3. Smart Cards and Monthly Passes

These passes will be particularly useful if you stay here for more than a few days or are likely to catch the metro often. Tourists in the city for two to three days can make the most of the day with the three-day pass, which grants you unlimited rides if you just want to get on and off, without minding the fare of each journey. For example, if you are staying for a week with a pretty packed itinerary, the three-day pass at VND 108,000 (around ₹377) makes it both affordable and convenient. The smart cards can be found at the customer service counters operating within the metro stations. You load the cash value onto the card and tap the card on a ticket gate reader every time you plan to enter or exit stations. This system is contactless and will save you a lot of time while in the metro, especially during rush hour.

4. Online Ticketing

For those who like to plan, online ticketing will be available on the metro’s official website. Whether you’re still in India planning your trip or already in Vietnam, you can easily log in, book your ticket, and either print it out or opt for a mobile QR code. For instance, if you already know you’ll be commuting frequently between District 1 and District 9, booking a monthly pass in advance can save you both time and effort during your stay.